Airbnb vs Mid-Term Rentals: Which Earns More?
Both short-term and mid-term rentals can significantly outperform traditional long-term leases—but which one earns MORE depends on your property's location, seasonal demand, and your tolerance for management complexity. Here's the data-driven comparison.
Short-Term (Airbnb/VRBO)
Mid-Term (1-6 Months)
The Winner? It Depends on the Season
STR earns more in peak months (May-October), while MTR provides steadier income during slower periods. The Hybrid Strategy captures the best of both, earning an average of $5,100/month by switching dynamically.
When Short-Term Wins
High Tourist or Event Traffic
Properties near Vinings (Truist Park), Downtown Atlanta, or Marietta Square thrive during baseball season, concerts, and festivals. Weekend rates can spike to $300-500/night during major events.
Strong Peak Season Performance
If your property commands $200+ nightly rates from May-October with 80%+ occupancy, STR will likely outperform MTR annually—even with slower winter months factored in.
Unlock Consistent Income with Mid-Term Rentals
STR Regulations Are Restrictive
If your city has strict STR licensing caps, enforcement issues, or HOA prohibitions, mid-term corporate housing provides similar income without regulatory risk. Properties in Alpharetta and Sandy Springs excel here.
You Need Predictable Cash Flow
MTR tenants (corporate relocations, insurance placements) sign 1-6 month leases with guaranteed monthly payments. No daily vacancy fluctuations, no seasonal income drops—ideal for owners who depend on consistent cash flow.
Access to Corporate Tenants
Properties near Fortune 500 employers (Microsoft, Home Depot, Delta) can fill with corporate relocations paying $3,500-5,000/month—often more than STR averages without the turnover hassle.
The Hidden Costs Comparison
Short-Term Rental Costs
- • Cleaning: $80-120 per turnover (20-30 times/year)
- • Guest supplies: $50-80/month
- • Platform fees: 3-5% per booking
- • Higher utility costs (daily guest usage)
- • STR licensing/permits: $150-500/year
- Total: ~15-20% of gross income
Mid-Term Rental Costs
- • Cleaning: $150 per turnover (2-4 times/year)
- • Guest supplies: Minimal (tenants purchase own)
- • Platform fees: 1-2% or direct bookings
- • Utilities often tenant-paid or averaged
- • No special licensing (standard landlord insurance)
- Total: ~8-12% of gross income
Why Not Both? The Hybrid Approach
Most property owners think they must choose STR OR MTR. But PeachHaus's Hybrid Rental Strategy captures peak STR income during high-demand months, then fills slower periods with 1-6 month corporate or insurance tenants. The result: